"Of course we're very pleased. If progress is being made we don't want to upset the status quo and nor do they," says Wychor. "As long as progress is being made, we should all stay where we are and keep working at the table to try to get the agreement that will work for the company and the employees."

Mesaba's union workers and supporters rallied at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis to protest a bankruptcy judge's rulings that let Mesaba impose pay cuts and blocked strikes. Rallies were also planned in Detroit and Memphis.

Mesaba has been seeking a 17.5 percent reduction in its annual labor costs. Pilots say the airline is now looking for six percent wage cuts from them, along with other givebacks. From its mechanics, Mesaba wants an 11 percent wage cut and other concessions.